90 Honda Accord LX 2.2lt A4- timing off need help after replacing motor
 

My husband replaced the motor in my car, and tried timing the motor. We have gone back and forth with Timing, taking out the distributor, repositioning the flywheel to see timing marks and here is our dilemma. Timing marks are lined up on flywheel, the distributor is reinstalled, car cranks, but when you put the timing light lead on the 1st plug wire, nothing, no marks, nothing. Put the lead on the 3rd plug wire and can see the timing marks and motor purrs like a kitten. What is wrong with this picture? Double checked plug wires on distributor, all match up with diagram in Haynes repair manual. Can somebody tell me what is going on? I need to know how to set the timing and it be correct, not firing tdc on 3rd plug.

Was the Service Check Connector (a blue connector plug located on the passenger side above the kick panel) jumped with a wire, before adjusting timing?

Yes it was

anybody have any ideas why i can see the timing marks on the flywheel when the timing light lead is on the 3rd plug wire and not on the 1st plug wire?

please help if you can, my hubby is threatening to burn my car if he cant get it right.

Is the car running "ok" without the timing light? And by "ok" I mean it runs....lets not get into "how well" yet?